Closing the housing gap in the UK: A preliminary study of using the offsite construction approach on Brownfield site

Abstract

The housing shortage in the UK has remained a prevalent and pressing issue, prompting a need for innovative and sustainable solutions. One contributing factor to this is limited availability of land, including brownfields sites. The offsite construction (OSC) approach has been recognized as a viable and eco-friendly solution to addressing the issue, yet its potential on brownfield site (BFS) remains largely unexplored. Prior research of literature suggested that integrating OSC on brownfield site has the capacity to support housing supply , while addressing some of the challenges of developing on BFS. A focus group discussion was conducted to establish industry opinion on the factors militating against the wide adoption of OSC approach on BFS for housing development despite the promises both concepts hold to support sustainable housing delivery. The study found that the UK government actively promotes BFS redevelopments and OSC approach to achieve sustainability goals, protect the greenbelt, and mitigate the housing crisis through policy and financial instruments. The study further grouped the findings of adopting OSC approach on BFS under process, human impact and sustainability. The result contributes to the literature by promoting the integration of OSC approach and BFS development and offer valuable insights for policymakers on the efficiency and effectiveness of government support instruments in relation to OSC and BFS for sustainable housing solutions.